Regulable self-closing faucet



PATENTED JAN; 19, 1904.

B. L; WALTER. -REGULABLB SELF CLOSING PAUOBT.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 8, 1903.

4 s ums-sum 1.

NO MODEL.

(Juvzwfoz PATENTED JAN. 19, 1904.

E. L. WALTER.

REGULABLE SELF CLOSING FAUOET.

- APPLICATION FILED APR. 8, 1903.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

Wallncoae: v

' I v @tbomnmgd No. 749,910. PATENTED JAN."19, 1904.

' WALTER. REGULABLE SELF CLOSING FAUGBT.

APPLIOATION FILED APR. 8, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

No. 749,910. PATENTED JAN; 19,1904.

' I E. L. WALTER.

.REGULABLE SELF CLOSING FAUOBT.

APPLIOATIOiQ' FILED APR. 8, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 49 m: NORRIS PETERS co. PHoToLvmo" WASHINGTON,o. c.

Patented January 19, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

EDWIN L. WALTER, OF SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

REGULABLE SELF-CLOSING FAUCET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 749,910, dated-January19,..1904.

Application filed April 8, 1903. Serial Nu. 151,658. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN L. WALTER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Scranton, in the county of Lackawanna and State ofPennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful ImprovementsinRegulable Self-Glosing Faucets, of which the following is aspecification.

Faucets and like water-fixtures as commonly constructed for automaticclosing require to be held open when drawing water therefrom,

hence are inconvenient and prolific of much vexation and annoyance attimes, especially when one chooses to wash the face or hands in arunning stream and desires to have both hands free.

This invention combines with a cock, faucet, or like device of anypattern, make, or design, a time-lock mechanism of peculiar constructionand relative arrangement of parts for holding the valve mechanism openthe requisite extent for a predetermined interval of time, as a minuteor any fractional part thereof.

A vital feature of the invention isthe combination of parts which are sodisposed as not to interfere with the ordinary use of the fixture andwhich will admit of a stream of water of any size within the capacity ofthe faucet being had by opening same more or less, the

time-lock holding the valve mechanism open at the required point for thegiven period.

For a full description of the invention and the merits thereof andalsoto acquire aknowledge of the details of construction of the means foreffecting the result reference is to be had to the following descriptionand drawings hereto attached.

While the essential and characteristic featuresof the invention aresusceptible of modiiication, still the preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1is a perspective view of a basinfaucet embodying the invention. N Fig. 2is a front view, a portion of the bodybeing broken away and the stembeing in longitudinal section. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a differenttype of faucet, showing the invention applied thereto, part being brokenaway to show the parts on a larger scale.

relative arrangement of theparts. Fig. 4 is a top plan view, the valveportion and inner end 'of the stem being in section. section of thehandle or grip on the lineX X of Fig.2. Fig. 6 is a perspective view ofthe barrel containing the spring for operatingthe timel'ock and the capfor said barrel, the parts being separated. Fig. 7 is an inner end viewof the handle or grip detached from the faucet. Fig.

8 is a view of the outer end of the sleeve por' tion of the stemprovided with the ratchetteeth and in which the valve-stem is mounted.Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the post provided with the wing orpiston which operates in the space of the handle or grip, the parts ofthe piston being separated. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the outerend of the stem provided at its innerend with the crank for operatingthe valve shown in Fig. 3 and the coupling cooperating therewith, thestem and coupling being separated. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of theinner sleeve forming the Fig. 5 is a.

barrel for the spring of the time-lock and the gland forming thestufling-box of the cap closing the outer end of the handle or grip,

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the followingdescription and indicated I Q in all the views of the drawings by thesame reference characters.

The invention is adapted to be applied to any type of faucet or fixturefor controlling the outflow of liquid having valve mechanism adapted tobe operated by a rotary grip or handle.

In accordance with this invention the timelock mechanism is combinedwith the valve mechanism of the faucet or like fixture so as not tointerfere with the ordinary use thereof, but which when required willhold the faucet open a short time to admit of utilizing a run. ningstream, the latter being automatically shut off when the interval oftime has lapsed.

The faucet illustrated is of the type commonly employed for washstands,Figs. 2 and 1 illustrating the valve-stem threaded into its sleeve andoperable by means of a threaded joint, whereas Fig. 3 shows thevalve-stem connected to a crank provided at the inner end of a stemjournaled in the sleeve. The valve-operating mechanism and the time-lockcooperating therewith are substantially the same in both forms of faucetillustrated. Hence a detailed description of one will apply to both, thespecific differences being noted to avoid indefiniteness and uncertaintyof structure and operation.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4:, the body 1 of the faucet is provided with ahollow plug 2, having a valve-seat at its inner end, against which valve3 closes, andprovided at its outer end with an extension constructed toreceive a tool to admit of turning said plug for shutting offcommunication through the faucet, thereby admitting of the valve-stembeing removed either to pack valve 3 or for other purpose. Thevalve-body 1 is provided with a coupling end 4:, to which sleeve 5 isjoined by means of the screw-thread connection. Valve-stem 6 isrotatably mounted in sleeve 5 and passes through a stufling-lwx at theinner end of said sleeve, same preventing moisture reaching theclosing-spring and lock mechanism. Valvestem 6 is enlarged at its outerend and connected with sleeve 5 by means of a thread, whereby turning ofthe valve-stem will effect seating or unseating of valve 3. A recess 7is formed at the outer end of valve-stem 6, and lugs 8 project therefromto enter notches 9 at the inner end of tubular extension 10 at the innerend of handle or grip 11. The parts 8 and 9 cause the handle or grip andvalvestem 6 to rotate in unison, and since the handle turns in a givenplane and part 6 has a combined rotary and longitudinal movement theelements 8 and 9 receive a limited longitudinal play to admit of theseating and unseating of valve 3 when operating handle or grip 11. Thesleeve 5 is provided at its outer end with an outer flange 12, in whichis formed a series of notches 13 to admit of varying the tension ofspring 1 1, by means of which valve 3 is automatically seated and thefaucet closed. A union 15 connects handle or grip 11 with sleeve 5, itsouter end being threaded into an annular extension 16 of part 11 and itsinner end having an inner flange to engage the shoulder formed by flange12. A space is formed between the tubular extension 10 and annularextension 16, in which closings1' ring14is lo cated, one end of saidspring" being engaged with part 10 and the opposite end bent, as

shown at 17, to enter one of the series of notches 13 of flange 12.

The handle or grip 11 is hollow, and its outer end is closed by means ofa cap-plate 18, fitted in a rabbet thereof and held in place by means ofclamp-ring 19, threaded to the outer portion of the handle or grip. Apacking-ring 20 is interposed between clamp-ring and parts 11 and 18 toinsure the formation of a tight joint. A post 21 is journaled centrallyof the handle or grip and passes therethrough, being mounted near itsends in cap-plate 18 and the inner wall of part 11, the end portion ofthe post passing through stufiing-boxes aplied to the walls of thehandle or grip, so as to preclude the escape of any liquid or fluidmedium contained within the handle. The inner end of post 21 is providedwith pin 22, having an eccentric arrangement and adapted to cooperatewith a dog 23 for throwing the latter out of action and releasing thevalve mechanism and permitting same to automatically close under tensionof spring 14c. The dog 23 is slidably mounted in the space formedbetween tubular extension 10 and valve-stem 6 and provided with anapproximately rectangular opening 24, into which pin 22 projects.Extensions 25 and 26 project from opposite ends of dog 23 and passthrough opening 27, formed in tubular extension 10 at diametricallyopposite points and which serve to direct the dog in its reciprocatingmovements and insure rotation thereof with handle or grip 11. Theextension 25 is beveled at its outer end and is adapted to projectbeyondthe outer side of tubular extension 10 and engage with one of a seriesof ratchet-teeth 28, formed in the inner wall of sleeve 5 at its outerend. A spring 29 serves to hold the beveled end of extension 25projected so as to engage with teeth 28 and hold the valve mechanism ofthe faucet or like fixture open when it is required to obtain a runningstream. Normally dog 22-3 is held out of engagement with teeth 28 by theaction of spring 30, forming a part of the time-lock mechanism. Spring29 is light and. preferably of bow form and is held in place byextension 26, passing through an opening thereof. The tension of spring30 is superior to that of spring 29 to admit of the latter beingnormally compressed by the former. The post 21 is rotatableindependently of the handle 01' grip 11 and is operable by means ofcapplate 3-1, secured to the outer end of post 21 and connectedtherewith for simultaneous rotation. The outer end of post 21 is madesquare, as indicated most clearly in Fig. 9, and cap-plate 31. isprovided with a corresponding square opening. Hence when plate 31 isfitted to the outer squared end of post 21 the two will turn in unison.

The vital feature of the time-lock mechanism resides in valved partition32 and piston 33, the former being secured to the handle or preventendwise play ofthe post.

grip 11 and the latter attached to post 21.

The opening formed in partition 32 is normally closed by flap-valve 34,which is adapted to open when piston 33 moves upon turning post 21, soas to carry pin 22 out of contact with the inner wall of opening 24 topermit dog 23 to be thrown outward by spring 29 to cause extension 25 toengage withteeth 28, and hold the valve open when turning handle or grip11 to withdraw water or other liquid from the faucet. The opening closedby valve 34 is of a size to admit of ready passage of the liquid orfluid contained within space 35 of handle or grip 11 when turning post21 to move piston 33 away from partition 32. The inner edge of partition32 is packed to make a tight joint with the central portion of post21,,which is slightly larger than the end portions, thereby providingshoulders to'en-gage with the inner walls of the handle or gripto Thepistonf 33 is composed of plates or leaves 36 and 37 and an interposedpacking 38. The leaf or jfplate 37 forms a part of or is rigidlyattached topost 21, and plate or leaf 36 is secured thereto by means ofclamp-screw 39, the latter having a minute opening 40 for the passage ofthe liquid or fluid therethrough upon the'i'eturn stroke of piston 33under the action of spring 30. The packing 38 is preferably a strip'ofcork, although any suitable material may be employed. A rectangularopening 41 is formed in the center of packing 38, and the edge portionsof leaf or plate 36 are beveled upon the inner side, as shown at 42, toadmit ofcompressing packing 38 and forcing same outward upon tighteningclamp-screw 39'to draw plates 36 and 37 closer together, therebyproviding for taking up wear and insuring the formation of a tight jointbetween the piston and the walls of space or chamber 35, containing theliquid or fluid forming the resisting medium to retard the return ofpiston 33 to a normal position.

The spring 30, cooperating with post 21, is located within barrel 43 andis secured at one end to said barrel and at its opposite end to sleeve44, located within said barrel and con centric therewith. Sleeve 44 isprovided with notch 45, adapted to engage with pin 46, ex-

tended laterally from the gland 47, forming the stuffing-box applied tothe outer side of cap-plate 18.- By this means the inner'end of spring30 is connected to the handle or grip 11. The cap-plate 31 isprovidedwith a pin 48 upon its inner side adapted to enter one of aseries-of openings 49 formed in the outer end of barrel 43, therebyforming a connection between post 21 and the outer end of spring 30. Thetension of spring 30 may be regulated by moving barrel 43 so as to bringany one of the openings 49 into position to receive pin 48. It is to beunderstood that barrel 43 can be turned independently ofcapcomprehended. outflow of water or other liquid from the faucet orfixture may be opened to a greater or :less extent, according to thedegree of move- 'ment of the handpiece, so as to secure a stream I ofwater of desired size.

plates 18 and 31. Hence spring 30 may be wound more or less to admit ofvarying its tension.

In the construction shown in Fig. 3 the valve 3 is adapted to closeupward, its stem being loosely connected to crank 50 at the inner end ofstem 6, rotatably mounted in extension 4 and-inner flange 51 of couplingsleeve 5*. The outer end of stem 6 is notched, as shown at 52, toreceive lug 53 of couplingbar 54, mounted in tubular extension 10 of thehandpiece.

The parts being assembled substantially as set forth, the faucet isopened in the accustomed way by grasping the handpiece or grip 11 andturning same against the tension of spring 14, whereby the valvemechanism is actuated to unseat the valve; Upon releasing the hold uponpart 11 spring .14, regaining itself, seats the valve and shuts off theflow of I Water or other liquid in the manner well understood. When itis required to utilize the time-lock mechanism for holding the ValX'Gunseated and the faucet or like fixture open, the cap-plate or like part31 isturned so asto rotate post 21 and carry pin 22 away from the innerwall of "opening 24, thereby releasing dog 23 and permitting spring 29to project the catch extension 25 so as to engage with teeth 28. Whenthe dog is released and the handpiece 11 is turned, catch extension 5 25rides upon teeth 28 and engages with one of said teeth and holdsthefaucet open until dog 23 is released from teeth 28 by contact of pin22 with inner wall of opening 24.

When the plate or part 31 is turned and post 21 correspondingly turned,piston 33 is carvried'away from valved partition 32, valve 34 opening topermit the liquid or other resisting medium to pass freely into thespace formed between parts 32 and 33. 31 is released, it is caused toturn in an opposite direction by spring 30, valve 34 closing and theliquid contained between parts 32 and 33 passing slowly through theminute open- W hen part ing 40 in clamp-screw 39. The length of time thefaucet may be permitted to run may be 'varied by turning part 31'through a greater or less arc. The maximum limit of time is dependentupon the capacity of chamber 35 and diameter of opening 40, as will bereadily The valve controlling the The time-lock mechanism will hold thevalve unseated at the .required point for the desired interval of timeaccording to the movement of part 31.

The generic features of the invention, such as combining with theself-closing valve mechanism a lock for holding the valve open againstthe action of the self-closing means and an automatic time mechanismoperable independent of the valve mechanism or the fluid passingtherethrough for releasing the lock to permit instant closure of thevalve, are not claimed herein, since they form the basis of a patentissued to me June 23, 1903, No.'

731,639, for a like invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is- 1. In afaucet or like fixture, and in combination with the valve mechanism andchambered handpiece operatively connected therewith, a spring connectedwith said handpiece and normally tending to hold the valve seated andthe faucet closed, a spring-actuated post, a ratchet mechanismcontrolled by said post and adapted to hold the handpiece against thetension of the valve-closing spring when said handpiece is turned to anydesired point to open the faucet, a valved partition fixed withreference to the chamber of said handpiece, and a piston movable withthe said post and provided with a minute opening to retard the return ofthe piston to a normal position, substantially as set forth.

2. In a faucet or like fixture, and in combination with the valvemechanism, a chambered handpiece, interlocking means between saidhandpiece and valve mechanism, and a spring for normally holding thevalve seated and the faucet closed, a ratchet mechanism for holding thefaucet open, a spring-actuated post having an eccentric extension forcooperation with the ratchet mechanism to throw same out of action, afixed valved partition located within the chamber of the handpiece, anda piston connected with the aforementioned post to turn therewith andprovided with a minute opening, substantially as specified.

3. In a faucet or like fixture, the combination of the body providedwith a tubular portion having ratchet teeth, a stem mounted in saidtubular portion and adapted to effect seating or unseating of the valve,a chambered h andpiece rotatably connected with said tubular portion andhaving a tubular extension adapted to make interlocking connection withthe aforesaid stem, a spring acuated dog mounted in the tubularextension of the handpiece and adapted to engage with any one of theaforementioned ratchet-teeth to hold the valve unseated, aclosing-spring for holding the valve seated, a spring-actuated postmounted in the handpiece to turn therewith and independently thereof andhaving an eccentric extension to hold. the dog out of engagement withthe ratchet-teeth, and retarding means cooperating with said postconsisting of a valved partition and a piston having a minute opening,said piston and partition being applied to and cooperating with thespring-actuated post and chambered handpiece, substantially asdescribed.

4. In a faucet 01' like fixture, the combination of the valve mechanism,chambered handpiece and closing-spring, a ratchet mechanism for holdingthe valve unseated against the tension of the closing spring, a posthaving an eccentric portion for throwing the ratchet mechanism out ofaction, a retarding mechanism cooperating with said post and operatingin the chamber of the handpiece and consisting of a piston having aminute opening and a valved partition, a plate attached to the outer endof said post and forming a grip for the hand, and a spring between thechambered handpiece and the plate or grip to effect a return of the postto a normal position, substantially as set forth.

5. In a faucet or like fixture, the combination of the valve mechanism,chambered handpiece and closing-spring, a ratchet mechanism for holdingthe valve unseated against the tension of the closing-spring, a posthaving an eccentric portion for throwing the ratchet mechanism out ofaction, a retarding mechanism cooperating with said post and operatingin the chamber of the handpiece and consisting of a piston having aminute opening and a valved partition, a plate attached to the outer endof said post and forminga grip for the hand, a spring having one endconnected to the chambered handpiece, and means for adjustablyconnecting the opposite end of the spring to the said plate or grip,substantially as set forth.

6. In a faucet, the combination of the valve mechanism, and a' chamberedhandpiece having a tubular extension in interlocking connection with thevalve-operating stem, a dog applied to said tubular extension,ratchet-teeth exterior to said tubular extension and connected with thebody portion of the faucet, a post journaled in the Walls of thechambered handpiece and having an eccentric portion for throwing the dogout of action, the walls of the chambered handpiece being provided withstuffing-boxes to make a tight joint with the post, a retardingmechanism cooperating with the handpiece and post and located within thechambered handpiece and consisting of a valved partition and a pistonhaving a minute opening, a spring exterior to the handpiece andconnected at one end thereto, and a plate forming a grip connected tothe outer end of said post and having connection with the opposite endof the spring cooperating with the post, substantially as set forth.

7. In combination, a faucet or like fixture provided with a tubularextension, a valve-operating stem passed through said extension, astuffing-box near the inner end of said valveoperating stem, a chamberedhandpiece rotatably connected with the said tubular extension, aclosing-spring for cooperation with the handpiece, to normally seat thevalve and close the faucet, a ratchet mechanism for holding the valveopen against the tension of the closing-spring, a spring-actuated postjournaled in the Walls of the chambered handpiece and having aneccentric portion for holding the ratchet mechanism out of action,stufiingboxes applied to the Walls of the chambered handpiece andreceiving the end portions of said post, and a retarding mechanismcooperating with said post and comprising a valved

